12.11.2010
Text:
Photo: Ski-ramp of
NITKA system.
According to
Bugnet, late in 2007 the then Russian Navy Commander-in-Chief Vladimir Masorin said that
NITKA system had become obsolete, so it was decided to construct new simulator for deck-based pilots in Russia till 2010. Then Russian media evaluated such project as somewhat $200 mln. The training system was supposed to be constructed in Lukhovitsa, Moscow region.
It was later reported that the system would be built in Yeisk, Sea of Azov coast in the period of 2009-2012 and would cost over RUR 5.7 bln.
Financial crisis forced the Russian military to rule out these plans. Nevertheless, nobody had canceled the decision. In this connection, Ukraine faced a problem of further use of the unique simulator. Ukraine does not need it, but it can be a quite good source of income. Thus, Kiev thought about
NITKA's future three years ago.
Potential options varied, beginning from redesign into tourist resort and ending with lease to China or India. Ukraine's intention to lease the simulator to China was voiced by Russian Naval Aviation Commander Nikolai Kuklev. However, he did not disclose the source of such information.
Eventually, China began to construct two similar training systems. It was also doubtful that India would use
NITKA either - just to preserve good relations with such partner as Russia.
"One thing has become apparent. Having no own deck-based aviation, Ukraine can only hope that Russian pilots would still use
NITKA simulator. But once Russia is sick and tired of Ukrainian bargains and finds money to construct own simulator,
NITKA will be unclaimed. On the other hand, while Russians have no such system they will have to pay any price. The only question is how long will such extortion last", summarizes the
Bugnet.
We recall that Ukrainian defense minister Mikhail Yezhel said that usage costs of
NITKA training system located in Saki, Crimea will be increased in the next year. "Everything rises in price, and gas too", he said.
